Leif Erikson Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

More than 1,000 years ago, Leif Erikson and his crew journeyed
across the Atlantic seeking unknown lands. Their pioneering spirit of
courage, determination, and discovery helped to open the world to new
exploration and unprecedented development. Each October, we join our
friends in Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland in honoring
this historic voyage and in celebrating the strong transatlantic bonds
that exist between those countries and the United States.

Our Nation is committed to promoting prosperity and stability
throughout Northern Europe. Through the Northern Europe Initiative, we
have partnered with other nations in the region to enhance security and
economic growth in the Baltic region. This Initiative addresses
concrete needs in six areas: the environment; public health; law
enforcement and rule-of-law; civil society; energy; and trade. Our
Nation also supports the European Union's "Northern Dimension"
strategy, which aims to strengthen the integration of Northwest Russia
and the accession countries to the European Union. These important
efforts, along with the bilateral programs of all Nordic countries, are
helping to build a brighter future for the entire region.

As we defend ourselves against terrorism, we are grateful for the
support of our coalition partners around the world, including our
Nordic friends and allies. The goodwill demonstrated by the people of
this region has reinforced our close ties and strengthened our resolve
to overcome the evil that is before us. As we celebrate Leif Erikson
Day, we recommit ourselves to a world of innovation, prosperity, and
opportunity.

To honor Leif Erikson, the brave son of Iceland and grandson of
Norway, and to recognize our Nation's Nordic-American heritage, the
Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September
2, 1964, has authorized and requested the President to proclaim October
9 of each year as "Leif Erikson Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2002, as Leif Erikson Day. I
call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-American
heritage.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.